Elbow has announced that they are ready to perform at the new Co-Op Live arena in Manchester despite its chaotic opening weeks. The concert, part of the band’s UK headlining tour, is scheduled for May 14 and will be held at the UK’s largest indoor venue. The £365 million Co-Op Live was initially set to open with two performances by Peter Kay on April 23 and 24. However, ongoing issues in the building led to numerous postponements.
The Music Venue Trust has called on Co-Op Live’s bosses to work in a way that secures the future of live music, describing the arena as “a great idea.” The venue agreed to meet the MVT to discuss its proposed £1 ticket levy. Despite some grassroots venues being described as “poorly run,” the MVT CEO Mark Davyd disputed these claims. He labeled them “disrespectful and disingenuous” and ironic given the struggle experienced by the arena following numerous logistical problems.
Other performances scheduled at Co-Op Live in Manchester include the Black Keys, Eric Clapton, Nicki Minaj, Eagles, Pet Shop Boys, Liam Gallagher, and The Killers. Elbow’s announcement comes after many other artists were impacted by the building’s numerous problems, including Olivia Rodrigo, The Black Keys, Take That, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. The last event was cancelled at the last minute due to a venue-related technical issue, namely, the air conditioning unit falling from the ceiling.
Co-Op Live apologized for the disruptions and announced a new opening date of May 14, saying their team was working hard to get the building up and running. Before his resignation, arena boss Gary Roden dismissed calls for a ticket levy on all gig arena-sized and above. It has been suggested as a means of protecting the future and supporting smaller venues across the UK
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